Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter to beat Northwestern. / Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Quarterback Matt McGloin had the go-ahead score on a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:37 left and Penn State rallied from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to beat No. 22 Northwestern 39-28 on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions scored three times in the final 9:49, starting with McGloin's 6-yard touchdown pass to Allen Robinson as the receiver dragged along the back line of the end zone. Michael Zordich had a 2-point conversion run to get within 28-25 before McGloin's scramble into the end zone sent the homecoming weekend crowd into a frenzy.

McGloin struggled at times, too, but bounced back in the clutch. McGloin directed blockers in front of him as he rolled right but couldn't find a receiver. So the savvy senior just got into the front corner of the end zone for the touchdown.

McGloin finished 35 of 51 for 282 yards and two scores. Zack Zwinak ran for 121 yards and a score on 28 carries.

A week after dismantling Indiana for 704 yards of total offense, Northwestern hit a speed bump in Happy Valley. The Wildcats were outgained 443-247 in total offense and 30-14 in first downs.

Yet they still were in a good spot in the third quarter after Colter had a 10-yard scoring run with 3:12 left before Mark's terrific punt return touchdown about two minutes later for a 28-17 lead.

Colter, who had nearly 300 yards of total offense last week, was held to five carriers for 24 yards and three catches for 17 yards. Robinson finished with nine receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Things looked so good for Northwestern (5-1, 1-1) after Venric Mark's 75-yard punt return for a touchdown with 50 seconds left in the third quarter demoralized the blue-and-white faithful for a 28-17 lead.

Mark also ran for a score.

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